Local Association of the Year.(Forum Focus: Local Associations)(Tidewater Music Teachers Forum )(Organization overview)

The Tidewater Music Teachers Forum of Virginia was named MTNA's 2008 Local Association of the Year. It was founded in 1964 with 31 members and has grown to a current membership of 111. The present membership is composed of teachers in the areas of piano, organ, voice, flute, composition, harp, violin, guitar, harpsichord, cello, clarinet, saxophone, percussion, music education, early childhood music, theory, history and literature. The objective of the TMTF is to provide a forum wherein teachers may assemble for the purpose of:

* Establishing a code of ethics and a professional standard of music teaching;

* Elevating the status of the music teacher in the community; and

* Sharing related problems and exploring current trends in music education.

The TMTF received the 2008 MTNA Local Association of the Year Award because it offers: 1) opportunities for teacher education, enrichment and growth as musicians and teachers; 2) opportunities for students in both competitive and non-competitive events, in performance and in scholarship awards; 3) excellent ways of communication with our membership to be certain that they are informed about and encouraged to participate in the many opportunities available for both teachers and students; and 4) support of MTNA projects.

Each year TMTF presents eight monthly programs, including a publisher workshop, presentations by state and nationally known musicians, a recital and master class and highlights of the MTNA National Conference. These programs are offered without charge to all members and their students and to our local community. Teachers also have opportunities to perform in the annual TMTF Teacher Recital, enjoy ensemble playing at the TMTF Monster Concert, use the extensive TMTF Audio Library and receive assistance with the certification process.

TMTF offers students two noncompetitive evaluation events each year. The TMTF Hymn Playing Festival promotes church music by teaching students to accompany congregational singing. The TMTF Levels of Progress is designed to be an opportunity for achievement and encouragement for students of any age, ability or level. TMTF administers three state testing events each year (VMTA Theory Tests, Keyboard Skills Tests and Sight Reading Festival). Each year the TMTF offers a master ...